You may think you are superior to others because you belong to a different ethnic group, or you speak a different language, or you are from a different country or you belong to a specific family, group, clan or race.
And you will support others on the basis of their language, ethnicity, relationship, origin... even though they do injustice and commit crimes in the name of tribalism, racism, nationalism or any other "ism", other than their moral superiority, good qualities or for justice.
And you will not help or support other human beings because they do not belong to 'your' group, country, clan, race, family. Even though they are oppressed, deprived of their rights, they deserve to be supported since they are on truth.
Are you aware that this type of fanatic behavior is known as Asabiyyah or Prejudice?
Do you know what Islam says about Asabiyyah or Prejudice?
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
"Whosoever possesses in his heart Asabiyyah even to the extent of a mustard seed, God will raise him on the Day of Resurrection with the (pagan) Bedouins of the Jahiliyyah (the ignorance pre-Islamic era)."
Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS) said:
"Whosoever practices Asabiyyah (against someone), Allah (SWT) shall wrap around him a fold of Fire."
Imam Ali (AS) said:
"Almighty Allah (SWT) will punish six groups of people for six kinds of sins: .He will punish the Arabs for Asabiyyah..."
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
"One who calls towards Asabiyyah is not from us, one who fights for Asabiyyah is not from us and the one who dies on Asabiyyah is not from us."
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
"Best among you is the person who defends his tribe till they do not commit a sin."
Imam Ali (AS) said:
"If it becomes unavoidable for you to be among those who practice Asabiyyah, then do Asabiyyah to uphold the truth and support the oppressed."
Imam Ali (AS) also said:
"The one whose deeds lower him, his family background or ancestry cannot elevate him."
Thus, remember that the superiority is only on the basis of pure intentions and sincere and lofty deeds.
Asabiyyah is a dangerous condition for an individual and the society. It is an evil trait, inspired by satanic forces. One must ponder seriously about its consequences in this world and the hereafter.
A true believer annihilates his own will in the Will of his Lord. He is free from all traces of ignorant Asabiyyah and thick and dark curtains of blind Asabiyyah would not obstruct his vision.
When called to deliver justice and utter the word of truth, he puts a firm foot on the head of all associations and ties, sacrificing all ties of kinship and customary affinities at the altar of the aims and orders of his Lord. He supports truth and justice under all circumstances.
So if you love or hate someone, or support or are against a group of individuals or a nation, think wisely for a while, what has motivated you for it. If it is other than promoting truth and justice or help of oppressed or preventing aggression and tyranny, then give up your support of the people you are associated with. It will be certainly difficult for you to take a bold step and give up love, friendship, and affinity of your relatives, friends and colleagues. But your decision to give up blind Asabiyyah will not only save you from the fire of the Hell, but also motivate others to do the same.
So if you love or hate someone, or support or are against a group of individuals or a nation, think wisely for a while, what has motivated you for it. If it is other than promoting truth and justice or help of oppressed or preventing aggression and tyranny, then give up your support of the people you are associated with. It will be certainly difficult for you to take a bold step and give up love, friendship, and affinity of your relatives, friends and colleagues. But your decision to give up blind Asabiyyah will not only save you from the fire of the Hell, but also motivate others to do the same.
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